6 Benefits of Mobile Expansion for Your Small Business

June 19, 2017

Mobile expansion for your small business doesn’t mean solely sticking with a mobile version of your website. You should also consider creating a mobile app. Mobile apps are for more than just large chains, so don’t overlook them. The average American adult spends almost three hours a day on their smartphone, and with an app, you can help your business’s visibility in the online world. Here six ways your business can benefit from having a mobile app.

Increases visibility

A mobile app makes you available to your customers all day, every day. While people use multiple apps throughout the day, they’ll still see your app on their phones. This can be an advantage to your business because it’ll increase their likelihood of visiting your business to book an appointment. For example, if a customer decides she wants to get her nails done last minute, she’ll likely open her phone to see who is open and available. If she has your app downloaded, she’ll be more likely to check your availability first rather than using a search engine to find someone else.

Mobile booking

Mobile booking makes it easier for you and your customers to plan their visit. Let’s say you own a salon or beauty parlor. With a mobile app, you can add the schedules of stylists, estheticians, makeup artists and the rest of your employees. You can also add a list of services provided by your business. Customers can pick and choose the services they want, with the employees they want and when they’re available and sign up for notifications for earlier availability. You can also use mobile booking for reservations and service appointments that occur at the customer’s home (plumbing, lawn care, etc.). A cancelation option on the app is ideal so customers can fill a new spot as soon as they become available.

Drives engagement

With your mobile app, customers can sign up for push notifications for when they receive messages. Instead of sending them email after email, you can set up a messaging system in the app, giving them updates and reminders of their appointments or reservations and informing them of any promotions or changes your business is having. They can also use push notifications for other parts of the app such as scheduling, price changes, new services, new products or products that are back in stock. Push notifications drives direct interaction with you, increasing the likelihood of customer engagement.

Expands your brand

A mobile app contributes more to your brand and recognition. Of course, you want to make sure your app works well and is easy to use, but you don’t want to forget to brand it. With the app, you do what you want with it. You can make it stylish and hip or informative and simple – whatever fits your brand. The more you can get your customers to use your app, the more likely they’ll be inclined to use your products or services.

Makes you stand out

Other competitors might not have a mobile app, which will make you stand out from the competition. Customers will like your forward-thinking approach as well as enjoy the ease of booking. Instead of having to call, they can pull out their phones and book an appointment or reservation in less than five minutes. They can also quickly see what you offer and how much it costs. With competitors, this process will take a bit longer. Customers will have to look up their business on Google, go to their site and try to find these options. They’ll be thankful for your quick and easy access.

Builds customer loyalty

If a customer downloads your mobile app, they’ve essentially told you they’re sticking with you. You can cultivate this loyalty by offering rewards for using the app. For example, if they refer friends to your business and the mobile app, you can offer your clients a discount on services or products. For every five (or more) appointments or reservations booked from the app, you can offer your clients a free service or product.

With mobile use steadily increasing, it’s important to keep up to see success. While mobile version of your site is a great place to start, having an app can boost your online presence and reach. A mobile app for your business provides a lot of engaging opportunity for you while also increasing customer loyalty.

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